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Motte throws clean inning in first rehab appearance

ST. LOUIS -- In his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Memphis, Jason Motte threw 14 pitches (10 strikes) in a scoreless inning on Tuesday. He allowed one hit, a pop fly single lost in the sun.

After Motte's outing, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed that the right-hander, who is nearing the end of his Tommy John rehab, will make another appearance with Memphis on Thursday. The Cardinals will consider having him throw two innings next time out. Motte's fastball velocity on Tuesday, according to the reports Mozeliak received, registered 91-95 mph.

"Given where he's coming from, I think that's OK," Mozeliak said. "But when he was at his best, he was someone [throwing] 97, 98."

The Cardinals remain uncertain as to when Motte will wrap up his rehab assignment and rejoin the big league bullpen. Asked if it could be by the end of the weekend, Mozeliak left the door open for a more fluid timetable.

"I think Motte is still sort of day to day in terms of determining when we could possibly see him," he said. "I'm not in a place of high confidence to tell you when he might pitch."